Maybe, sometimes, it's riskier not to take a risk. Sometimes all you're guaranteeing is that things will stay the same. ~ Danny Wallace, Yes Man
With a fantastic modern infrastructure, stunning beaches, and a multinational population, Mallorca is quickly becoming a popular destination for digital nomads and remote workers to settle down for a few months. In total, you can fly directly to Mallorca from 160 airports in 141 cities in 30 countries. Now, with a direct flight on United Airlines from Newark, NJ, USA servicing the New York city area, travel just became even easier.
Yet, in this ever-changing, post-pandemic world, we are all looking for that sense of security no matter where we travel. This applies to both Covid-19 restrictions and the usual safety concerns in your destination of choice.
Here, we break down everything you should pay attention to while you’re out and about exploring the largest Balearic Island out there.
How to Travel Safely #
Arguably, the biggest risk of traveling safely anywhere in the world right now is the COVID-19 virus. While Spain is now allowing non-essential travel, you’ll still come across some restrictions upon entering the country.
The first thing you’ll need to do before making your way to Mallorca is to fill out and sign a Health Control Form. To keep things simple, you can fill out and sign this form online a few days before you travel. Alternatively, you can submit your form in a paper format on the day of your flight.
Once you’ve arrived in Mallorca, you will need to show the QR code you received from the Health Control Form. Aside from that, you will also be required to show proof of a two-dose vaccination, which has been administered at least 14 days prior to arriving in Mallorca.
Mask-wearing is no longer mandatory in public places or venues such as bars and restaurants. However, you will still be required to wear a mask on public transport such as trains, buses, and taxis.
Generally, the infection rate and the number of Covid cases in Mallorca are relatively low, and nearly 90% of the island’s population has now received both doses of the vaccine. As long as you follow the guidelines and laws that are in place, there is no reason why you shouldn’t be able to travel safely in Mallorca.
AM TIP: To stay up-to-date on the coronavirus rules and regulations in Mallorca, and around the world, head over to BorderByless.
Cas Dollamore
Pickpockets and Petty Crime #
Aside from the global risk that the COVID-19 virus brings, traveling safely in Mallorca also comes with the small risk of petty crime. Generally, this is few and far between, but like many popular holiday destinations around the world, petty crime still happens.
The huge popularity of Mallorca with tourists means that opportunistic crime such as pickpocketing and theft is something you should always be aware of. When it comes to pickpocketing, criminals usually operate in crowded places such as airports, hotel lobbies, tourist hotspots, and markets. Therefore, it’s important to always be on your guard around such sites and ensure you have your money and valuables out of sight and out of reach.
Aside from these opportunistic thieves, Mallorca also sees a small share of cunning crime. This usually takes place in the form of distraction techniques by criminals working in pairs. For example, one person may eagerly pin a flower to your clothes, while another swipes your phone from the table. Another common example is dropping coins on the floor or spilling a drink nearby; just enough time for you to take your eyes off your wallet.
This being said, petty crime is no worse than any other major European destination. Nonetheless, making sure you’re aware of the possibilities will keep you one step ahead. Carry your wallet or purse in the front of your body and keep any major documents locked in a safe in your room or well-hidden.
Driving and Road Safety on the Island #
As a remote worker or digital nomad traveling or living in Mallorca, it’s important to be fully aware of driving and road safety on the island. As a whole, driving around the island isn’t a dangerous experience, yet there are some challenges if you’re not familiar with the local laws or roads.
One of the biggest challenges to driving in Mallorca is its mountainous terrain. The rolling hills and high cliffs mean that, although extremely scenic, these mountain roads can be ultra-narrow. Roads such as the famous MA-10 contain hairpin turns, winding blind corners, and tunnels, all of which require safe and steady driving.
As well as the many twists and turns, these mountainous roads are also lined by sheer cliff edges. Although modern road construction has made these as safe as can be, poor weather conditions can often increase the chance of rockfall and landslides.
Keeping all of this in mind, driving in Mallorca can be a fantastic and enjoyable experience. As long as you follow with caution along the mountain roads and drive on the right side of the road, you will have no issues with driving safely in Mallorca.
AM TIP: If you are from outside the EEA If you're from outside the EEA (European Economic Area for the free movement of goods and services), you may drive in Spain using your existing foreign driver's license for up to six months after you have registered for residency in Spain. If your foreign license is not in Spanish, however, you must always carry an official translation or an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Invest in Travel Insurance #
If you don’t have a visa for the Schengen area, you’ll need to provide proof of travel medical insurance “covering emergency medical, hospitalization, and repatriation” according to the European Commission. The minimum coverage must be at least €30,000, and the insurance must be valid for the entire stay in the Schengen Area.
Nowadays, this is generally a no-brainer even if you already have a visa for the Schengen area- travel insurance policies are not expensive, and will potentially save you from a huge hospital bill in case of an accident.
Whether you’re just vacationing in Mallorca for the week or traveling the world as a digital nomad, check out Nomad Insurance - it offers Covid-19 and unexpected quarantine coverage, and meets the requirements set by the European Commission we outlined above. The policy is inexpensive and flexible, and you can sign-up even if you’re already on the road.
AM TIP: FOR THE BEST DEAL ON NOMAD AND TRAVELER'S INSURANCE, USE AFFORDABLE MALLORCA'S AMBASSADOR LINK.
Follow the Recommended COVID Safety Precautions #
Though many rules and regulations in Mallorca are less stringent than they once were, following worldwide COVID safety precautions and generally good hygiene practices will go a long way to keeping you safe while traveling and avoiding the dreads week of isolation.
Even if the local laws and regulations don’t require you to wear a mask, wearing one in crowds and when you’re in close proximity to other people is still an effective way of keeping the germs at bay.
One of the biggest perks of traveling to Mallorca is the many opportunities you have to spend large amounts of time in the great outdoors. Swapping a day in a crowded cafe for one spent hiking the rolling hills that cover the island will keep you in the fresh air. With clear air and fewer crowds, you are far less likely to fall foul of the virus.
Spending time in the great outdoors not only keeps you away from infectious crowds but also allows you to indulge in a myriad of outdoor activities. Hiking the hills and mountains of Mallorca or swimming in the Mediterranean Sea that surrounds the island will also keep you fit and healthy - only adding to your defense against illnesses.
Health Checks Before You Travel #
Another way of staying safe on your travels is ensuring you’re in fighting fit health before you leave your home soil for Mallorca. Whether this is having a general health check-up from your doctor or a pre-travel dentist appointment, these can all go a long way to keeping healthy while you are away and detecting any potential problems before you travel.
Aside from the obligatory COVID-19 vaccination, you can protect yourself further by inoculating yourself from other viruses. Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines, such as those for chickenpox, diphtheria, shingles, and polio, as well as any additional ones that your doctor recommends.
Final Thoughts on Safety in Mallorca #
Keeping safe in Mallorca is relatively easy, as long as you stick to some basic rules and conduct your trip with a little common sense.
By following local legislation, including vaccinations, before you arrive and wearing masks when in close proximity to others, there is no reason why you can’t keep yourself safe from infection while traveling to Mallorca.
Overall, Mallorca is a safe base for digital nomads and holiday-makers in general. With good practices and a solid Nomad Insurance policy in place, you will be free to make the best of this wonderful Spanish island.
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SAFETY WING AND GET THE BEST DEAL WITH AFFORDABLE MALLORCA'S AMBASSADOR LINK. This offers good pricing on insurance for travelers, nomads and remote workers.
Sources
- Apply for best price with Affordable Mallorca's Ambassador Link
- https://www.whatsdannydoing.com/blog/safe-travel-quotes
- https://mallorcasafetourism.com/en/home-page-2/#
- https://cerclemallorca.es/covid-data-balearic-islands/
- https://borderByless.safetywing.com/spain
- https://www.palmaairport.info/airport/pick-pockets/
- https://www.dangerousroads.org/around-the-world/travel-and-tourism/9946-mallorca-challenging-driving
- https://safetywing.com/
- https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/when-and-how-to-use-masks
- https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/spain
- #safetymallorca
